Bronx Workers' Compensation Lawyer
After a workplace accident, there are several steps you will need to take to protect your right to the benefits you deserve. If you or someone you know has been injured on the job in the Bronx, the skilled workers’ compensation lawyers at Meirowitz & Wasserberg can help.
Quick Links
- Who’s eligible for workers’ compensation in the Bronx?
- Most Common Workplace Accidents in the Bronx
- Common Types of Injuries from Workplace Accidents in the Bronx
- Which industries in the Bronx commonly file workers’ compensation claims?
- What does workers’ compensation cover?
- When to File a Workers’ Compensation Claim in the Bronx
- What happens if my Bronx workers’ compensation claim is denied?
- Why do I need a Bronx workers’ compensation lawyer?
Workers’ compensation is a type of insurance that provides medical benefits and wage replacement to an individual injured during their course of employment. It also protects companies and businesses in the event of an employee’s work-related illness or injury, limiting their liability.
The New York State Workers’ Compensation Board & Research Bureau recorded more than 13,500 workers’ compensation claims in the Bronx in 2021 alone. Most claims occurred in industries such as transportation & warehousing, construction, health care & social assistance, and manufacturing.
The Bronx personal injury lawyers at Meirowitz & Wasserberg are here to help you navigate the often complex process of getting the benefits you deserve.
Who's eligible for workers' compensation in the Bronx?
New York outlines several guidelines that determine who is eligible to receive workers’ compensation in the Bronx.
The primary requirements for workers’ compensation eligibility in the Bronx include:
- Being employed by any for-profit business or organization
- Being employed by most not-for-profit organizations
- Exceptions to nonprofit eligibility may include clergy, members of religious orders, members of supervised amateur athletic activities, and similar circumstances where the nonprofit may not provide workers’ compensation.
- Working in New York state
Most Common Workplace Accidents in the Bronx
Out of every workplace accident recorded in the Bronx by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, certain types of on-the-job accidents occur more frequently than others.
Slips and Falls
In work environments with hazardous surfaces—such as defective sidewalks, wet floors, potholes, or torn carpeting—slip and fall injuries are quite commonly reported. Hazardous surfaces can cause injury to individuals of any age. Depending on the severity of the accident, slip and fall victims may experience broken bones, spinal damage, and even traumatic brain injuries.
Strains and Sprains
Soft-tissue injuries, such as strains and sprains, are some of the most common types of workplace-related injuries. Strains and sprains include injuries to tendons, ligaments, and muscles and can be debilitating and painful. Fortunately, they’re usually easily treatable and have a shorter recovery time. Still, these injuries can result in lost wages and potentially substantial medical bills.
Construction Accidents
Surrounded by large machinery, various vehicles, and heavy building supplies, construction sites are hazardous work environments that can result in a variety of injuries. Construction workers may be injured by falling off ladders and scaffolding; being hit by falling debris, supplies, or work equipment; or by being involved in an accident involving machinery, lifts, or cranes.
Falling Objects
Certain types of workplaces, such as construction sites, are more hazardous than others when it comes to potential workplace injuries. When an object falls from above and hits an unsuspecting worker down below, injuries can range from bone fractures to traumatic brain injuries.
Motor Vehicle Accidents
If you are involved in a motor vehicle collision while operating a vehicle on the job, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation for any resulting injuries. Sometimes the accident is completely out of your control due to the negligence of other drivers.
Wrongful Death
If a wrongful death of an employee occurs on the job due to the negligence of other workers, individuals on the worksite, or the employer, wrongful death damages may be claimed by their loved ones.
Common Types of Injuries from Workplace Accidents in the Bronx
Workplace injury victims may experience a wide range of injuries, some being more common than others.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the most common Bronx workplace accident injuries include:
Back and Spinal Cord Injuries
In 2021, there were 423 workplace accidents in the Bronx that resulted in multiple physical injuries, some of which were related to the back and spinal cord. Spinal cord injuries can be dangerous and costly, potentially rendering the victim incapacitated or paralyzed. Recovery may involve hundreds of thousands of dollars in medical bills for surgeries, treatments, rehabilitation, home care, and various equipment.
Brain Injuries
There were 73 recorded workplace concussions in the Bronx throughout 2021, some of which resulted in more severe brain injuries. Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are a significant cause of disability and death within the United States. They may lead to debilitating negative effects such as mood disruptions, behavioral problems, and disability.
Broken Bones
Data from the Bronx shows 353 workplace bone fractures in 2021. A broken bone or fracture may occur when a worker is hit by an object, snagged by machinery, or crushed by a heavy object at the workplace.
Burns
In 2021, the BLS reported 228 workplace burns that happened on the job in the Bronx. Burn injuries must be taken seriously and treated immediately, even if the burn only appears mild at first glance. Depending on the degree of the burn and its severity, the burn victim may have damaged pain receptors or nerves and should be immediately taken for a medical evaluation.
Contusions and Lacerations
Workplace contusions and lacerations were fairly common in the Bronx throughout 2021, with the BLS reporting 4,157 of these types of injuries. A contusion or laceration may occur when a worker is struck by an object or injured by a workplace tool.
Which industries in the Bronx commonly file workers' compensation claims?
Certain industries within the Bronx file workers’ compensation claims more often than others. Some jobs have more inherent risk and greater potential for injury, causing workers to file workers’ compensation more frequently.
Industries that frequently file workers’ compensation claims in the Bronx include:
- Accommodation and food services
- Construction
- Educational Services
- Health Care and Social Assistance
- Manufacturing
- Public Administration
- Real Estate / Rental / Leasing
- Retail
- Transportation and Warehousing
What does workers' compensation cover?
New York state gives workers in the Bronx detailed guidelines and information on the type of coverage offered by workers’ compensation claims.
All health care and medical costs related to your workplace injury are covered. In addition to medical benefits, workers’ compensation provides cash benefits equal to two-thirds of your average weekly wage, up to a maximum.
Any travel expenses you incur while going to and from health care appointments would also be covered by your workers’ compensation claim.
When to File a Workers' Compensation Claim in the Bronx
If you’ve been injured on the job in the Bronx, immediately follow these steps for your safety and preparation of a workers’ compensation claim filing:
- Get medical attention immediately – You can receive medical attention by dialing 911 in an emergency, visiting the nearest hospital, or scheduling an appointment with your primary care physician (PCP).
- Notify your employer within 30 days of the incident – Notifying your employer quickly is required for a workers’ compensation claim and cannot be overlooked!
- File a claim within two years – Per the statute of limitations in the state of New York, you have up to 2 years from the date of your workplace injury to file a claim.
- Appeal your decision within 30 days – Depending on the outcome of your workers’ compensation claim filing, you’ll be able to appeal any decisions within 30 days.
What happens if my Bronx workers' compensation claim is denied?
When filing a workers’ compensation claim, there is a slight chance of denial. Fortunately, there are specific steps you can take to fight a denial and receive the compensation you deserve.
What are the most common reasons for denial? First, employers may not want to pay out workers’ compensation claims due to the subsequent increase in insurance premiums they may face. Also, they may claim that there is insufficient evidence that you were injured at their workplace or that inadequate evidence exists around the circumstances of your accident.
At this point in your case, a qualified workers’ compensation attorney can leverage their years of experience to prove your claim. A knowledgeable attorney can assist you with gathering additional and necessary medical statements, witness statements, and any other evidence relevant to your case. With proper evidence, a workers’ compensation lawyer will be able to prove your workplace injury and help you recover the compensation you deserve.
You have 30 days to appeal your workers’ compensation claim denial, and an attorney can help walk you through the process.
Why do I need a Bronx workers' compensation lawyer?
Navigating the New York worker’s compensation process without expert guidance is daunting. By hiring a Bronx workers’ compensation attorney with years of experience, you will maximize your claim potential.
At Meirowitz & Wasserberg, a caring and knowledgeable lawyer will assist you with navigating the claim filing process, keeping all deadlines and submission requirements in mind. We’ll be able to work with insurance companies and gather evidence, witness statements, and relevant records to prove your case. Additionally, if your claim is initially denied, our attorneys will help you file an appeal.
If you or someone you know has been injured on the job in the Bronx, contact us at Meirowitz & Wasserberg today for a free case evaluation.
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